Honest, West says, it wasn’t his deal

L.A. Times: Finally, Jerry West can watch the Lakers without being swamped by the anxiety that drove him to pace the hallways or roam the freeways while the team he assembled became a behemoth that would win three consecutive NBA championships.

The Lakers still bear his imprint nearly eight years after he retired for the first time, after that first title, and they will forever have a claim on his heart. And West, back in Southern California full-time after five seasons as the Memphis Grizzlies’ president of basketball operations, likes what he sees of his old team.

General Manager Mitch Kupchak’s acquisition of 7-footer Pau Gasol from the Grizzlies for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks — a trade West said he was not involved in, contradicting the rumors and conspiracy theories that have buzzed around the Internet — was a good one, he believes.

And who’s going to argue with Jerry West?

“I think they have the best team in the West and I said that before they got him,” West said Friday in a rare interview.

“He’s a terrific kid, a very skilled offensive player,” West said of Gasol. “He’s got size and some versatility. He’s a very good player. It’s a terrific deal for the Lakers.

Jaime is the co-owner and Operating Director for LakerNation.com from Alhambra, CA. He's help create the official websites for Kevin Durant and Goodwin Sports. Currently, he's the Online Producer for FOX Sports Radio and AM570 KLAC.

MILO

Yea but you know Laker haters around the legue are still going to say he did when in reality we all know that it was the former Boston players who hooked up to bring a decent team out there.Im glad that Bird held out with JO because now we landed a better afordable and more efficiant player in Gasol.If Steve Kerr was a little smarter he would have gone after JO im sure gay ass Bird would have traded with them…

GotGasol.com

You aint got to lie! we know you were involved! jk both teams had a necessity and both teams got what they wanted!

Nabil

[Comment ID #25424 Will Be Quoted Here]

hell yeah. and considering what we would have to have given up for garnett, i think we’re all glad to have the lineup we have rather then garnett or jo.

ab4sure

Jerry West is a man of Integrity. He is very careful to not violate league rules. Jerry West is Not Kevin McHale. Memphis wanted the biggest expiring contract plus young players. Lakers offer was that.

LakersFirst (Change) (Close)

Can those who doubted the Lakers FO, especially Mitch, now give him credit for this fantastic trade?

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With the Lakers off to a poor start, trade rumors have begun to swirl around Kobe Bryant, leading many to speculate if he'll leave for greener pastures. Kobe puts those rumors to rest in his interview with Yahoo Sports.